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Our planet could be facing challenges, yet a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to motivate the public to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded to pay tribute to the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate those who protect the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The concept of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the very special bond she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives undertaken to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, a prominent voice said, “Frankly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Present governance globally is conducting a war on science. This situation significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the situation appears very good which means we need to commence thinking again, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat our environment.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, it was noted this is an opportune moment to emulate her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change the way we treat the other animals with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue today involves the spread of misinformation. The theme of next year’s festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that truth is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal is that the medal will inspire concrete steps. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to engage and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to look at doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in conservation work expressed confidence that “given direction and when empowered, humanity can be diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the work of a foundation which, among its other activities, helps young people become engaged locally, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often emphasized, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about the positive actions currently in progress.”